Name: Danielle Rabie
Age: 20
Hometown: Lake Orion, MI
Major: International Studies and Middle Eastern and North African Studies with a minor in Arab and Muslim American Studies
Fun Fact: 99.9% of the time I wear only black and combat boots.
Her Campus: What is Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE)? What does it do?
Danielle Rabie: SAFE is an organization dedicated to elevating Palestinian lives both here and abroad, so we protect the culture of Palestine in terms of language, clothing, food, and heritage. We also advocate for higher standards of living and self-determination for Palestinian people. We advocate for what the Palestinian people believe will help them in the future politically, economically, and culturally. Anything that Palestinians need, we do our best to help.
HC: What made you want to get involved with SAFE?
DR: What first brought me to SAFE was when they went to the first Central Student Government meeting and SAFE members were silenced by CSG. SAFE had the subsequent sit-in in the CSG office, which we renamed the Edward Said Lounge. All the solidarity amongst Arabs, Muslims, MENA (Middle Eastern North African), and POCs (people of color), in general, inspired me. We had a lot of members from the Black Student Union at the sit in. A lot of Native American, Latin American, and South Asian American students were there too. I really admired how everyone from all different races and religions came together.
HC: What is your favorite thing about SAFE?
DR: I like that it feels like a family. I don’t really have to explain anything. As a Palestinian, I walk into SAFE meetings and I’m surrounded by people who are there to learn about Palestine or who are there to help Palestine. I never have to explain my justification. Many Arab-Americans and Muslims always have to prove that they are against terrorism or Islam. I never have to prove that I am against terrorism simply because of my identity. Members of SAFE understand where I’m coming from as a Palestinian, as a Christian, and as a POC on this campus. They understand, and we are a family.
HC: What lessons have you been able to take away from being an activist and board member for SAFE?
DR: I think you have to constantly be listening, and you have to constantly be learning. From being a general activist as well as a member of SAFE’s executive board, you learn a lot about other people’s struggles in terms of intersectionality. You also learn how gender, socioeconomic status, and race can all intersect with whatever kind of work you are doing. You have to constantly be learning and listening, but you also have to be critical of yourself and your own beliefs.
HC: What is the greatest struggle that comes with being an activist and board member for SAFE?
DR: I think it would have to be other people’s perceptions of the organization. We have a lot of people who only see one part of our organization, that being our political statements. So people don’t necessarily see the side of SAFE that also advocates for the preservation of culture. They don’t see the side of SAFE that works with SAPAC (Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center) and other organizations that are dedicated to social justice causes and equality for everyone. I think it is really difficult when people only see SAFE in one aspect because consequently, a lot of people don’t give us the time of day.
HC: If you had to say anything to your peers, what would you say?
DR: I would say to always be critical and to always be receptive of people— their experiences, their narratives, and their information.